Gina Mastantuono -- Stark Naked

I’ve been at Stark since the Newport gym opened in early 2019 and have always been intrigued by Stark Naked. Their mission is simple and yet profound: to help people live the best version of themselves. For me, it was no-brainer to sign on as a member.  

I have a competitive spirit. It comes across in almost all aspects of my life, even more so when I’m in the gym. When COVID-19 turned the world upside down in March of 2020, like millions of others, I knew something had to give, and I was concerned it would be the consistency of my workouts. I am a mom to two boys, a wife, and the Chief Financial Officer at a hyper-growth public company in Silicon Valley. One year later and I am in the throes of juggling our boys’ remote learning and adapting to new ways to keep 13K employees engaged in what is now considered the ‘new normal.’ I couldn’t imagine adding one more thing to my plate. But then something happened. The holidays arrived, which allowed time for reflection. I took stock of how fortunate I am and realized, if not now, then when? I just turned 50 and realized that the best gift I could give myself, my family, and friends is the gift of extraordinary health and well-being. Of course, that little voice of doubt reared its head as it echoed in the corners of my mind. Could I get into the best shape of my life at 50? How would I find the time? As I turned down the volume on those doubts, I turned up the volume on this simple question. When would I ever be able to combine my passion for fitness and helping others at a time when it matters more than ever? I knew then I had sealed the deal for myself.  

Deciding which charity proved to be a bit more challenging. Now, more than ever, there are numerous issues at play in the world that need our immediate attention. For me, though, giving has always been very personal, so it was clear in the end. I was fortunate to sit on the board of Komen Orange County for two years. I know first-hand the impact they have on fighting breast cancer, meeting the most critical needs in our community, and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer. I don’t know anyone personally that has NOT been impacted somehow by breast cancer. My grandmother died of breast cancer at age 65. My cousin is a survivor, and one of my best friend’s is living with metastatic breast cancer right now. It is a disease that devastates families, and COVID-19 has only made the situation worse. There has been a sharp drop in the number of cancer screenings as the pandemic took hold. Breast cancer screenings in the U.S. fell by 85 percent in April 2020 compared to 2019. Many cancer patients have been unable to access the treatment and medical care they critically need. Komen Orange County’s work has never been more important, and the impact of COVID-19 makes it critically urgent.  

I am very proud to participate in Stark Naked to support Komen Orange County and their work to end breast cancer.